Online Reporter
Africa Moyo
SIMBARASHE Machigere was just 19 when he became youngest pilot in Zimbabwe after passing his aviation studies with flying colours.
Machigere was awarded a commercial pilot licence on May 5, 2019, by the East African Aviation School based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Before him, the youngest pilot in the country was 21- year-old Mr Kalenga Kamwendo.
Machigere attained his qualification in style, after shattering the aviation academy’s record for flying solo at 29 hours of training.
“Training for a commercial pilot license was not an easy walk in the park.
“You needed to apply yourself intellectually, emotionally and physically. You really required undivided attention. But I praise the Lord and also thank him for making me a Zimbabwean.
“Being the youngest trainee in the East African Aviation School in Ethiopia, I have made history by flying solo at 29 hours of training. I couldn’t believe it but I made.”
He added:
“Now that I am done and I have passed with flying colours, I will not stay in the Diaspora. I want to go back to Zimbabwe and join a viable airline.”
He told fellow youths in Zimbabwe that “nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it”.
His father, Mr Saston Mapfaka Machigere, said he was overjoyed by the son’s achievement.
“Simbarashe has made us proud; me and my wife Agnes, we are so happy. If I am not mistaken, Simbarashe becomes the youngest ever pilot in Zimbabwe at 19 years.
“He is our first born in a family of three boys.
“Being based in Ethiopia where the Ethiopian Airways has been the leading airline in Africa, was the motivation and inspiration for him to join the aviation school,” said Mr Machigere.
The youthful pilot was born on July 3, 1999 in Bindura where he did his primary at Shashi Primary School.
He then did his High School at Greek Community School in Ethiopia. — The Herald.
Peter Tanyanyiwa